Abstract
Aim: Lung function studies in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have not identified consistent abnormalities. The results, however, of two cross-sectional studies suggest restrictive abnormalities become more prominent with increasing age. Our aim was, by undertaking serial comprehensive assessments in SCD children, to further characterize any changes in lung function with increasing age.
Methods: Two cohorts of SCD children were recruited. Cohort 1: 21 children, mean age at baseline 8.1 (range 2.9-12.0) years and mean length of follow-up 1.9 (1.7-2.1) years. Cohort 2: 28 children and adolescents, mean age at baseline 10.0 (6.0-15.5) years and mean length follow-up 9.0 (8.1-9.8) years. Lung function was assessed by spirometry and body plethysmography.
Results: Lung function declined significantly in both cohorts. The results are expressed as median (IQR) and percentage predicted for height.
Comparison of the data from the two cohorts demonstrates a faster decline in cohort one.
Conclusion: Children and adolescents with SCD suffer deterioration in lung function with increasing age; the speed of decline is greatest in young children.
- © 2011 ERS